3 Dodgers third base trade targets not named Nolan Arenado

Ke'Bryan Hayes

The Pittsburgh Pirates started the year off extremely well and, to their credit, kept that streak going longer than most would have thought. However, as July is coming to an end, they are back in last place in the NL Central. It seems they are still a handful of years away from actually contending for a division title.

If they were planning on selling some of their valuable assets, Ke’Bryan Hayes would be a great fit for the Dodgers. With Max Muncy at third base, consistency is lacking both offensively and defensively. Muncy currently has a batting average below .200, but, of course, his 25 home runs on the year (which are good for seventh most in the MLB) cannot be overlooked. However, on the defensive side of the ball, he can be considered below average.

Hayes, on the other hand, is one of the best defensive third basemen in the league. Baseball Savant has him in the 99th percentile in outs above average. He doesn’t have the same pop that Muncy has, but Hayes hits .252 with the ability to go yard. If the Dodgers were to acquire him, they would have a long-term answer at third base with the 26-year-old. For the Pirates, who have five prospects in MLB’s Top 100, they could likely further strengthen their farm system while continuing to prepare for the future with the Dodgers as a trade partner.